Did you know that Chermside Library is the second most visited library in Brisbane? This fact emerged from the BCC’s data for 2023/2024, revealing an impressive 484,869 visits to this library.
Read: Check Out the Chermside Library at the North Regional Business Centre
In the rankings of library popularity, Chermside was outpaced only by Brisbane Square Library, which recorded around 539,525 visits in the same period.
Located at the North Regional Business Centre, Chermside Library has quickly become a favourite among Brisbane residents since its opening in 2017. Its rapid rise to become the second most visited library in the city showcases the enduring appeal of public libraries in the digital age.
More Than Just Books
Chermside Library offers more than just a vast collection of books. The library is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring it’s open to all members of the community. It also boasts community meeting rooms available for hire, complete with kitchenette access, making it a hub for local gatherings and events.
Adding to its unique offerings, Chermside Library houses specialised Italian and Chinese, Tagalog, and Punjabi language collections, catering to Brisbane’s diverse population and reflecting the city’s multicultural character.
Brisbane’s Love Affair with Libraries
The popularity of Chermside Library is part of a larger trend in Brisbane, where libraries continue to play a vital role in community life. Council announced that residents made more than 10 million loans from Council’s extensive library collection of books, CDs, DVDs and online resources throughout 2023/24, which equals almost 27,400 loans every single day.
Among the most borrowed books were bestsellers like “The Secret” by Lee Child, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han, and “The 169-Storey Treehouse” by Andy Griffiths, highlighting the diverse reading interests of Brisbane’s residents.
BCC has also been proactive in making library services more accessible. In the past year, six new 24/7 library lockers were installed across the city in locations such as Carina, Holland Park, New Farm, Mitchelton, The Grange, and Bracken Ridge. These lockers have already facilitated over 10,000 collections, making borrowing even more convenient for residents.
There were more than 12,000 free library events that attracted over 340,000 attendees. The popular early literacy program alone saw more than 200,000 participants, underscoring the important role libraries play in early childhood education.
Read: A Tale of 4 Children and the Hummingbird House
Digital Age and Libraries
Despite the digital revolution, Brisbane’s libraries remain relevant by adapting to modern needs. More than 1.1 million residents have logged on to Brisbane libraries’ free Wi-Fi since July 2023, demonstrating how these institutions have evolved to become digital hubs for the community. This seamless blend of traditional library services with modern technology ensures that libraries continue to meet the changing needs of Brisbane’s residents.
Published 5-September-2024
